Local holiday festivities begin

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'Tis the season to haul a coniferous tree into your living room to adorn with lights, stars and other tchotchkes. If you want to cut your own, rather than buy it from a commercial lot, you'll need a $10 permit from the Pikes Peak Ranger District of the Pike National Forest. Permitted tree cutting can take place anywhere within a 10,000 acre area northeast of Woodland Park, as long as the tree, at the base of its trunk, has a diameter 6 inches or less and is cut with a non-motorized saw. For exact locations and hours, visit fs.usda.gov/goto/psicc/pikespeak.

'Tis also the season to strap on bladed footwear and hit the ice. The outdoor ice rink at Acacia Park is set to open on Nov. 17, with free admission then and the following day. After that, admission is $10. The rink will be open seven days a week through Jan. 15.